Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, many questions arose about what the New York Giants would do, especially after trading former All-Pro Dexter Lawrence for the 10th overall pick.
With their two top 10 selections, as well as trading into the third round, the Giants showed great aggression for their needs.
But, with these premier picks and the rest of the Draft, how did Joe Schoen and John Harbaugh fare?
New York’s move for the hybrid defender from Ohio State may have surprised many fans, but the talent is clear.
Although some view Reese as an edge rusher, it’s clear that the G-Men plan for him to play inside linebacker.
John Harbaugh says the Giants will play Arvell Reese at inside linebacker and WILL linebacker pic.twitter.com/mhZJPFMfMT
His otherworldly strength, fluidity, and burst make him one of the best athletes on the field in Week 1. Reese’s special athletic blend gives him exceptional potential to do anything on the field, including being an excellent QB spy, run stuffer, and cause for chaos in the middle of the field.
With his inconsistent snaps at linebacker, he is far from fully developed at the position. His tape in the pass game is full of late reactions and gambling against throws. But with a more full-time role, many of Reese’s flaws will surely get fixed. This pick gives the Giants defense much-needed dynamism, as well as a high-end starter in Year 1.
The pick from their blockbuster move addressed a desperate need: an offensive guard.
Although he played tackle at Miami, Mauigoa can reach his maximum potential on the interior. His dominant strength, textbook hand placement, and footwork give him all the tools to switch positions. New York identified these traits as valuable and has already defined his role with the team as such.
GM Joe Schoen said Francis Mauigoa will start at guard.
One of Mauigoa’s only noticeable weaknesses at the tackle position was the periodic struggle to keep up with hyper-athletic edge rushers. Since he will no longer have to try to keep up with the speed rushers, his game becomes much more well-rounded.
There are some reasons his grade isn’t higher, but the main one has nothing to do with Mauigoa.
Passing up on safety, Caleb Downs, arguably the best player in the Draft, is a clear miss from the front office. Even though both players address positional needs, Downs is nothing short of a generational safety talent that would have more than made up for losing Dexter Lawrence on defense.
Nonetheless, the selection of Mauigoa is solid and will help solidify the Giants’ ascending offensive line.
The Tennessee cornerback is another addition that is filling a dire need.
Hood is a physical press corner who will be a useful starter on Day 1. He was a top-end corner in 2025, allowing just 318 yards, one touchdown, and a 70.8 NFL passer rating when targeted, per PFF. His combination of physicality and mirroring skill always makes him a force at the catch point.
Giants CB Colton Hood highlights pic.twitter.com/zn6dr7c6rK
With this profound aggressiveness in press coverage, the receivers can take advantage. They can occasionally use his leverage to create space and get an easy target. Additionally, Hood can be found taking plays off, primarily in the run game. That lack of effort can be consequential; the receiver does not have to worry about his blocking assignment, and the runner has one less body to fret.
All-around, Hood will provide some necessary physical play and strength and is an overall good addition to the lacking defensive back room.